Chapter 53: Trials and Tribulations
Bayo sank into Adeola's worn-out couch, his body relaxing despite the tension in his mind. His fingers traced the frayed edges of the cushion, a stark reminder of his own meager furnishings back in The Port. He closed his eyes, rubbing his temples in slow circles.
"That day at Harvard Forest," he began, his Yoruba accent thickening with frustration, "I couldn't speak because of a pressing task at the Computing Laboratory." He opened his eyes, meeting Adeola's gaze.
Adeola nodded, her dark blue aso-oke blouse rustling as she leaned forward. "Kò sí wahálà, Bayo," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of understanding. "There's no problem, Bayo. I knew our paths would cross again." A small smile played on her lips. "And here you are, ready to shed light on the shadows."